Tracking and delivery confirmation of pharmaceutical products

ABSTRACT

A system and method are disclosed that track a deliverable to a user. The system includes an identifier or tag secured to the deliverable, a computer system for interrogating the identifier, and a personal device in communication with the computer system, wherein the personal device is held by the user at the time the user is administered the deliverable to detect the unique identity associated with the identifier device and confirms delivery of the deliverable to the user. The method includes attaching an identifiable tag that produces a unique signature to the deliverable, interrogating the tag at about the time of delivery to the user, and confirming that the user has been administered the deliverable through detecting the identifiable tag.

CROSS REFERENCE To RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/346,035 entitled “Tracking and Delivery Confirmationof Pharmaceutical Products” and filed on May 19, 2010, which is hereinentirely incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to electronic systems for trackingproducts from manufacturer to consumer and, more specifically, tomultiple devices including a mobile communication unit and anidentifiable tag that is associated with a pharmaceutical product toconfirm source of the dosage, the proper type and amount of dose, anddelivery to the patient.

INTRODUCTION

In many instances there is a need for tracking pharmaceutical productsfrom the manufacturer to the patient. In so doing, the provider ordispenser of the pharmaceutical products is able to confirm that thepharmaceutical products come from a reliable source and that thepharmaceutical products are not counterfeit. Additionally, in manyremote areas, where access to medical facilities is limited, it is oftenthe case wherein the provider is not able to read or understandinformation provided on the label. In such situations, the providerneeds a simple and effective way to identify the patient and determinewhat medication should be delivered, especially when there are variousmedications from which to choose.

Thus, what is needed is a system and method that can trackpharmaceutical products from the manufacturer along the supply chain tothe patient as well as confirm actual delivery of the pharmaceuticalproducts to the patient.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure includes a system for tracking pharmaceuticalproducts from manufacturer to the patient. The present invention alsoincludes systems for confirming delivery of the pharmaceutical productsto the patient; the delivery confirmation includes systems and methodsfor confirming delivery of the right dose and the correct quantity. Thepresent invention includes systems that include circuitry and componentsthat can function within certain environments that include a conductingfluid. One example of such an environment is outside or inside acontainer that houses the conducting fluid, such as a sealed bag with asolution, which includes an IV bag. Another example is within the bodyof a living organism, such as an animal or a human. According to variousaspects of the present invention, part of the system is ingestible orinjectible and, hence, can be taken by or injected to or inhaled by thepatient.

In one aspect, a computer system is provided to track a medication frommanufacturer to a patient, to enable a care provider to determine theorigin of the medication and to confirm that at least one of the righttype and the right dosage of the medication was delivered to thepatient. The computer system comprising: a processor operative to:receive a unique identity of an identifier device secured to a dosage ofmedication, wherein the identifier device comprises the unique identitythat is associated with at least one of the manufacturer and themedication; receive information from a patient interface device incommunication with the computer and the patient, wherein at the time thepatient takes the medication, the patient interface device is operativeto detect the unique identity associated with the identifier device andconfirm delivery of the medication to the patient; and receive thedetected unique identity associated with the identifier device detectedvia the patient interface device and the confirmation of delivery of themedication to the patient via the patient interface device; wherein theprocessor is operative to confirm the origin of the medication and thetype of the medication based at least on the unique identity of theidentifier device.

In another aspect of the computer system, the processor is operative tointerrogate the identifier device.

In another aspect of the computer system, the identifier devicecomprises a tag provided with circuitry, wherein the tag is secured tothe dosage of the medication, and wherein the processor is operative toread the unique identity from the tag.

In another aspect of the computer system, the tag is secured to a dosageof medication in the form of a pill.

In another aspect of the computer system, the tag is secured to asyringe configured for delivery of the dosage of medication, wherein thesyringe comprises a safety component which is activated upon exposure toair.

In another aspect of the computer system, the syringe comprises a needleand wherein the needle comprises at least one contact point coupled tothe tag.

In another aspect of the computer system, the processor is operative tocommunicate with a datacenter database to at least one of retrievemedical information about the patient and provide information related tothe medication to be administered to the patient.

In another aspect of the computer system, the processor is operative to:communicate with at least one of a database or a processing system atthe datacenter; transmit information to the processing system; receiveinformation from the processing system, wherein the processing system isoperative to access the information in the database of the data centerand provide the information to the patient through the computer.

In another aspect of the computer system, the processor is operative tovalidate at least one of the type and dosage selected by the careprovider prior to dispensing the medication to the patient.

In another aspect of the computer system, the processor is operative tocommunicate with an interrogation unit coupled to the identifier device,wherein the interrogation unit is operative to interrogate theidentifier device secured to the medication and receive the uniqueidentity of the identifier device to confirm the origin of themedication and the type of the medication, wherein the computer isoperative to interrogate the interrogation unit and receive the uniqueidentity of the identifier from the interrogation unit.

In another aspect of the computer system, the processor is operative to:communicate with a memory of the interrogation unit; and receive theunique identity of the identifier stored in the memory of theinterrogation unit.

In another aspect of the computer system, the processor is operative toreceive biometric parameters from the patient interface device, whereinthe biometric parameters can identify the patient.

In another aspect of the computer system, the processor is operative toreceive an image of the patient captured by a camera on the patientinterface device.

In another aspect of the computer system, a display provides informationassociated with the patient, wherein the information comprises any of animage of the patient, medical history of the patient, and a next typeand dose of medication to deliver to the patient.

In one aspect, a computer-implemented method is provided to track amedication from manufacturer to a patient, to enable a care provider todetermine the origin of the medication and to confirm that at least oneof the right type and the right dosage of medication was delivered tothe patient, the computer comprising a processor. The method comprising:receiving by the processor a unique identity of the identifier devicesecured to a dosage of medication, wherein the identifier devicecomprises the unique identity that is associated with at least one ofthe manufacturer and the medication; receiving by the processorinformation from a patient interface device in communication with thecomputer and the patient, wherein at the time the patient takes themedication, the patient interface device is operative to detect theunique identity associated with the identifier device and confirmdelivery of the medication to the patient; receiving by the processorthe detected unique identity associated with the identifier devicedetected from the patient interface device and the confirmation ofdelivery of the medication to the patient from the patient interfacedevice; and confirming the origin of the medication and the type of themedication based at least on the unique identity of the identifierdevice.

In another aspect, the computer-implemented method comprisesinterrogating by the processor the identifier device.

In another, the computer-implemented method comprises receiving by theprocessor the unique identity from a tag, wherein the identifier devicecomprises the tag provided with circuitry, wherein the tag is secured tothe dosage of the medication, the method.

In another aspect, the computer-implemented method comprises receivingby the processor the unique identity from the tag, wherein the tag issecured to a dosage of medication in the form of a pill.

In another aspect, the computer-implemented method comprises receivingby the processor the unique identity from the tag, wherein the tag issecured to a syringe configured for delivery of the dosage ofmedication, wherein the syringe comprises a safety component which isactivated upon exposure to air.

In another aspect, the computer-implemented method comprises receivingby the processor the unique identity from the tag, wherein the syringecomprises a needle, and wherein the needle comprises at least onecontact point coupled to the tag.

In another aspect, the computer-implemented method comprises at leastone of: retrieving by the processor medical information about thepatient from a datacenter database; and providing by the processorinformation related to the medication to be administered to the patient.

In another aspect, the computer-implemented method comprisestransmitting by the processor information to the processing system;receiving by the processor information from the processing system,wherein the processing system is operative to access the information inthe database of the data center and provide the information to thepatient through the computer.

In another aspect, the computer-implemented method comprises validatingby the processor at least one of the type and dosage selected by thecare provider prior to dispensing the medication to the patient.

In another aspect, the computer-implemented method comprisesinterrogating by the processor operative an interrogation unit coupledto the identifier device, wherein the interrogation unit is operative tointerrogate the identifier device secured to a medication and receivethe unique identity of the identifier device to confirm the origin ofthe medication and the type of the medication; and receiving by thecomputer the unique identity of the identifier from the interrogationunit.

In another aspect, the computer-implemented method comprisescommunicating by the processor with a memory of the interrogation unit;and receiving by the processor the unique identity of the identifierstored in the memory of the interrogation unit.

In another aspect, the computer-implemented method comprises receivingby the processor biometric parameters from the patient interface device,wherein the biometric parameters can identify the patient.

In another aspect, the computer-implemented method comprises receivingby the processor an image of the patient captured by a camera on thepatient interface device.

In another aspect, the computer-implemented method comprises displayingon a display coupled to the processor information associated with thepatient, wherein the information comprises any of an image of thepatient, medical history of the patient, and a next type and dose ofmedication to deliver to the patient.

In one aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprising: atleast one contact point configured to electrically engage an identifierdevice secured to a medication, wherein the identifier device comprisesa unique identity that is associated with at least one of themanufacturer and the medication; an interrogation unit coupled to the atleast one contact point, wherein the interrogation unit is operative tointerrogate the identifier device to obtain the unique identity; and acommunication module coupled to the interrogation unit, wherein thecommunication module is operative to transmit the unique identification.

In another aspect of the apparatus, the interrogation unit is operativeto read the unique identity associated with the identifier device.

In another aspect, the communication module is operative to transmit theunique identity associated with the identifier device to a computer incommunication with the communication module.

In another aspect of the apparatus, the apparatus comprises a memorycoupled to the interrogation unit to store the unique identityassociated with the identifier device.

In another aspect, the interrogation unit is operative to read theunique identity from a tag provided with circuitry, wherein the tag issecured to the dosage of the medication.

In another aspect of the apparatus, the interrogation unit is operativeto read the unique identity from the tag, wherein the tag is secured toa dosage of medication in the form of a pill.

In another aspect of the apparatus, the interrogation unit is operativeto read the unique identity from the tag, wherein the tag is secured toa syringe configured for delivery of the dosage of medication, whereinthe syringe comprises a safety component which is activated uponexposure to air.

In another aspect of the apparatus, the interrogation unit is operativeto read the unique identity from the tag, wherein the syringe comprisesa needle and wherein the needle comprises at least one contact pointcoupled to the tag.

In one aspect, a method is provided. The method comprising: electricallyengaging by an interrogation unit an identifier device secured to amedication with at least one contact point coupled to the interrogationunit, wherein the identifier device comprises a unique identity that isassociated with at least one of the manufacturer and the medication;interrogating the identifier device for the unique identity; andtransmitting the unique identification by a communication module coupledto the interrogation unit.

In another aspect, the method comprises reading by the interrogationunit the unique identity associated with the identifier device.

In another aspect, the method comprises transmitting by thecommunication module the unique identity associated with the identifierdevice to a computer in communication with the communication module.

In another aspect, the method comprises storing by the interrogationunit the unique identity associated with the identifier device in amemory, wherein the memory is coupled to the interrogation unit.

In another aspect, the method comprises receiving by the interrogationunit the unique identity from a tag, wherein the identifier devicecomprises the tag provided with circuitry, wherein the tag is secured tothe dosage of the medication.

In another aspect, the method comprises receiving by the interrogationunit the unique identity from the tag, wherein the tag is secured to asyringe configured for delivery of the dosage of medication, wherein thesyringe comprises a safety component which is activated upon exposure toair.

In another aspect, the method comprises receiving by the interrogationunit the unique identity from the tag, wherein the tag is secured to asyringe configured for delivery of the dosage of medication, wherein thesyringe comprises a safety component which is activated upon exposure toair.

In another aspect, the method comprises receiving by the interrogationunit the unique identity from the tag, wherein the syringe comprises aneedle, and wherein the needle comprises at least one contact pointcoupled to the tag.

In one aspect, a patient interface device is provided. The patientinterface comprising: a housing defining an outer surface, wherein thehousing is configured to held by a patient; at least one contact pointexposed on the outer surface portion of the housing, wherein the atleast one contact point is positioned to be physically contacted by thepatient to detect biometric information associated with the patient,wherein the at least one contact point is configured to detect at leastone physiological parameter associated with the patient; a controlmodule coupled to the at least one contact point, wherein the at leastone contact point is coupled to the control module to capture the atleast one physiological parameter associated with the patient; and acommunication module coupled to the control unit to transmit the atleast one physiological parameter to a computer in communication withthe communication module.

In another aspect of the patient interface device, the patient interfacedevice comprises a power source coupled to the control module.

In another aspect of the patient interface device, the patient interfacedevice comprises an image generation unit to capture an image of thepatient, wherein the image generation unit is coupled to the controlmodule and is configured to capture the image of the patient and totransmit the captured image to the control module.

In another aspect of the patient interface device, the control module isoperative to activate the image generation unit to capture the image ofthe patient when the contact point detects there is a change in thephysiological parameter of the patient during the time the patient is incontact with the contact point and when the control module detects acurrent flow through the patient.

In one aspect, a method is provided. The method comprising: contactingby a patient at least one contact point exposed on an outer surfaceportion of a housing, wherein the at least one contact point ispositioned to be physically contacted by the patient to detect biometricinformation associated with the patient, wherein the at least onecontact point is configured to detect at least one physiologicalparameter associated with the patient; capturing by a control modulecoupled to the at least one contact point at least one physiologicalparameter associated with the patient; and transmitting by acommunication module coupled to the control unit the at least onephysiological parameter to a computer in communication with thecommunication module.

In another aspect, the method comprises scanning by the at least contactpoint a fingerprint associated with the patient; confirming by thecontrol module fingerprint information.

In another aspect, the method comprises capturing an image of thepatient by an image generation unit, wherein the image generation unitis coupled to the control module; and transmitting by the imagegeneration unit the captured image of the patient to the control module.

In another aspect, the method comprises activating by the control modulethe image generation unit to capture the image of the patient when thecontact point detects there is a change in the physiological parameterof the patient during the time the patient is in contact with thecontact point and when the control module detects a current flow throughthe patient.

In one aspect, a patient interface device is provided. The patientinterface device comprising: a housing defining an outer surface,wherein the housing is configured to held by a patient; at least onecontact point exposed on the outer surface portion of the housing,wherein the at least one contact point is positioned to be physicallycontacted by the patient to detect biometric information associated withthe patient, wherein the at least one contact point is configured todetect at least one physiological parameter associated with the patient;a control module coupled to the at least one contact point, wherein theat least one contact point is coupled to the control module to capturethe at least one physiological parameter associated with the patient;and a communication module coupled to the control unit to transmit theat least one physiological parameter to a computer in communication withthe communication module.

In another aspect, the patient interface device comprises a power sourcecoupled to the control module.

In another aspect, the patient interface device comprises an imagegeneration unit to capture an image of the patient, wherein the imagegeneration unit is coupled to the control module and is configured tocapture the image of the patient and to transmit the captured image tothe control module.

In another aspect of the patient interface device, the control module isoperative to activate the image generation unit to capture the image ofthe patient when the contact point detects there is a change in thephysiological parameter of the patient during the time the patient is incontact with the contact point and when the control module detects acurrent flow through the patient.

In one aspect, a method is provided. The method comprising: contactingby a patient at least one contact point exposed on an outer surfaceportion of a housing, wherein the at least one contact point ispositioned to be physically contacted by the patient to detect biometricinformation associated with the patient, wherein the at least onecontact point is configured to detect at least one physiologicalparameter associated with the patient; capturing by a control modulecoupled to the at least one contact point at least one physiologicalparameter associated with the patient; and transmitting by acommunication module coupled to the control unit the at least onephysiological parameter to a computer in communication with thecommunication module.

In another aspect, the method comprises scanning by the at least contactpoint a fingerprint associated with the patient; confirming by thecontrol module fingerprint information.

In another aspect, the method comprises capturing an image of thepatient by an image generation unit, wherein the image generation unitis coupled to the control module; and transmitting by the imagegeneration unit the captured image of the patient to the control module.

In another aspect, the method comprises activating by the control modulethe image generation unit to capture the image of the patient when thecontact point detects there is a change in the physiological parameterof the patient during the time the patient is in contact with thecontact point and when the control module detects a current flow throughthe patient.

Notwithstanding the claims and the above aspects of the presentinvention, in various other aspects, the present invention also may bedefined by the following clauses:

-   1. A computer system to track medication from manufacturer to a    patient, to enable a care provider to determine the origin of the    medication and to confirm that at least one of the right type and    the right dosage of medication was delivered to the patient, the    computer system comprising:

a processor operative to:

-   -   receive a unique identity of an identifier device secured to a        dosage of medication to confirm the origin of the medication and        the type of the medication, wherein the identifier device        comprises the unique identity that is associated with at least        one of the manufacturer and the medication;    -   receive information from a patient interface device in        communication with the computer and the patient, wherein at the        time the patient takes the medication, the patient interface        device is operative to detect the unique identity associated        with the identifier device and confirm delivery of the        medication to the patient; and    -   receive the detected unique identity associated with the        identifier device detected from the patient interface device and        the confirmation of delivery of the medication to the patient        from the patient interface device.

-   2. The computer system of clause 1, wherein the processor is    operative to interrogate the identifier device.

-   3. The computer system of clause 1 or 2, wherein the identifier    device comprises a tag provided with circuitry, wherein the tag is    secured to the dosage of the medication, and wherein the processor    is operative to read the unique identity from the tag.

-   4. The computer system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the    tag is secured to a dosage of medication in the form of a pill.

-   5. The computer system of any of the preceding clauses 1-3, wherein    the tag is secured to a syringe configured for delivery of the    dosage of medication, wherein the syringe comprises a safety    component which is activated upon exposure to air.

-   6. The computer system of clause 5, wherein the syringe comprises a    needle and wherein the needle comprises at least one contact point    coupled to the tag.

-   7. The computer system according to any of the preceding clauses    wherein the processor is operative to communicate with a datacenter    database to at least one of retrieve medical information about the    patient and provide information related to the medication to be    administered to the patient.

-   8. The computer system of clause 7, wherein the processor is    operative to:

communicate with at least one of a database or a processing system atthe datacenter;

transmit information to the processing system;

receive information from the processing system, wherein the processingsystem is operative to access the information in the database of thedata center and provide the information to the patient through thecomputer.

-   9. The computer system according to any of the preceding clauses    wherein the processor is operative to validate at least one of the    type and dosage selected by the care provider prior to dispensing    the medication to the patient.-   10. The computer system according to any of the preceding clauses    wherein the processor is operative to communicate with an    interrogation unit coupled to the identifier device, wherein the    interrogation unit is operative to interrogate the identifier device    secured to the medication and receive the unique identity of the    identifier device to confirm the origin of the medication and the    type of the medication, wherein the computer is operative to    interrogate the interrogation unit and receive the unique identity    of the identifier from the interrogation unit.-   11. The computer system of clause 10, wherein the processor is    operative to:

communicate with a memory of the interrogation unit; and

receive the unique identity of the identifier stored in the memory ofthe interrogation unit.

-   12. The computer system according to any of the preceding clauses    wherein the processor is operative to receive biometric parameters    from the patient interface device, wherein the biometric parameters    can identify the patient, or wherein the processor is operative to    receive an image of the patient captured by a camera on the patient    interface device.-   13. The computer system according to any of the preceding clauses    comprising a display to provide information associated with the    patient, wherein the information comprises any of an image of the    patient, medical history of the patient, and a next type and dose of    medication to deliver to the patient.-   14. A computer-implemented method to track medication from    manufacturer to a patient, which preferably uses a computer system    according to any of the preceding clauses, to enable a care provider    to determine the origin of the medication and to confirm that at    least one of the right type and the right dosage of medication was    delivered to the patient, the computer comprising a processor, the    method comprising:

receiving by the processor a unique identity of the identifier devicesecured to a dosage of medication to confirm the origin of themedication and the type of the medication, wherein the identifier devicecomprises the unique identity that is associated with at least one ofthe manufacturer and the medication;

receiving by the processor information from a patient interface devicein communication with the computer and the patient, wherein at the timethe patient takes the medication, the patient interface device isoperative to detect the unique identity associated with the identifierdevice and confirm delivery of the medication to the patient; and

receiving by the processor the detected unique identity associated withthe identifier device detected from the patient interface device and theconfirmation of delivery of the medication to the patient from thepatient interface device.

-   15. The computer-implemented method of clause 15, comprising    interrogating by the processor the identifier device.-   16. The computer-implemented method of clause 14 or 15, comprising    receiving by the processor the unique identity from a tag, wherein    the identifier device comprises the tag provided with circuitry,    wherein the tag is secured to the dosage of the medication, the    method.-   17. The computer-implemented method of clause 16, comprising    receiving by the processor the unique identity from the tag, wherein    the tag is secured to a dosage of medication in the form of a pill    or wherein the tag is secured to a syringe configured for delivery    of the dosage of medication, wherein the syringe comprises a safety    component which is activated upon exposure to air, preferably    comprising receiving by the processor the unique identity from the    tag, wherein the syringe comprises a needle, and wherein the needle    comprises at least one contact point coupled to the tag.-   18. The computer-implemented according to any of the clauses 14-17    comprising at least one of:

retrieving by the processor medical information about the patient from adatacenter database; and

providing by the processor information related to the medication to beadministered to the patient.

-   19. The computer-implemented method of clause 18, comprising:

transmitting by the processor information to the processing system;

receiving by the processor information from the processing system,wherein the processing system is operative to access the information inthe database of the data center and provide the information to thepatient through the computer.

-   20. The computer-implemented method according to any of the clauses    14-19, comprising:

validating by the processor at least one of the type and dosage selectedby the care provider prior to dispensing the medication to the patient.

-   21. The computer-implemented method according to any of the clauses    14-20 comprising:

interrogating by the processor operative an interrogation unit coupledto the identifier device, wherein the interrogation unit is operative tointerrogate the identifier device secured to the medication and receivethe unique identity of the identifier device to confirm the origin ofthe medication and the type of the medication; and

receiving by the computer the unique identity of the identifier from theinterrogation unit.

-   22. The computer-implemented method of clause 21, comprising:

communicating by the processor with a memory of the interrogation unit;and

receiving by the processor the unique identity of the identifier storedin the memory of the interrogation unit.

-   23. The computer-implemented method according to any of the clauses    14-22 comprising:

receiving by the processor biometric parameters from the patientinterface device, wherein the biometric parameters can identify thepatient.

-   24. The computer-implemented method according to any of the clauses    14-23 comprising:

receiving by the processor an image of the patient captured by a cameraon the patient interface device.

-   25. The computer-implemented method according to any of the clauses    14-24 comprising:

displaying on a display coupled to the processor information associatedwith the patient, wherein the information comprises any of an image ofthe patient, medical history of the patient, and a next type and dose ofmedication to deliver to the patient.

-   26. An apparatus, comprising:

at least one contact point configured to electrically engage anidentifier device secured to a medication, wherein the identifier devicecomprises a unique identity that is associated with at least one of themanufacturer and the medication;

an interrogation unit coupled to the at least one contact point, whereinthe interrogation unit is operative to interrogate the identifier deviceto obtain the unique identity; and

a communication module coupled to the interrogation unit, wherein thecommunication module is operative to transmit the unique identification.

-   27. The apparatus of clause 26, wherein the interrogation unit is    operative to read the unique identity associated with the identifier    device.-   28. The apparatus of clause 26 or 27 wherein the communication    module is operative to transmit the unique identity associated with    the identifier device to a computer in communication with the    communication module.-   29. The apparatus according to any of the clauses 26-28 comprising a    memory coupled to the interrogation unit to store the unique    identity associated with the identifier device.-   30. The apparatus according to any of the clauses 26-29 wherein the    interrogation unit is operative to read the unique identity from a    tag provided with circuitry, wherein the tag is secured to the    dosage of the medication, preferably wherein the interrogation unit    is operative to read the unique identity from the tag, wherein the    tag is secured to a dosage of medication in the form of a pill, or    wherein the interrogation unit is operative to read the unique    identity from the tag, wherein the tag is secured to a syringe    configured for delivery of the dosage of medication, wherein the    syringe comprises a safety component which is activated upon    exposure to air, preferably wherein the syringe comprises a needle    and wherein the needle comprises at least one contact point coupled    to the tag.-   31. A method, comprising:

electrically engaging by an interrogation unit an identifier devicesecured to a medication with at least one contact point coupled to theinterrogation unit, wherein the identifier device comprises a uniqueidentity that is associated with at least one of the manufacturer andthe medication;

interrogating the identifier device for the unique identity; and

transmitting the unique identification by a communication module coupledto the interrogation unit.

-   32. The method of clause 31, comprising reading by the interrogation    unit the unique identity associated with the identifier device.-   33. The method of clause 31 or 32 comprising transmitting by the    communication module the unique identity associated with the    identifier device to a computer in communication with the    communication module.-   34. The method according to any of the clauses 31-33 comprising    storing by the interrogation unit the unique identity associated    with the identifier device in a memory, wherein the memory is    coupled to the interrogation unit.-   35. The method according to any of the clauses 31-34 comprising    receiving by the interrogation unit the unique identity from a tag,    wherein the identifier device comprises the tag provided with    circuitry, wherein the tag is secured to the dosage of the    medication.-   36. The method of clause 35, comprising receiving by the    interrogation unit the unique identity from the tag, wherein the tag    is secured to a syringe configured for delivery of the dosage of    medication, wherein the syringe comprises a safety component which    is activated upon exposure to air, preferably wherein the syringe    comprises a needle, and wherein the needle comprises at least one    contact point coupled to the tag.-   37. A patient interface device, comprising:

a housing defining an outer surface, wherein the housing is configuredto held by a patient;

at least one contact point exposed on the outer surface portion of thehousing, wherein the at least one contact point is positioned to bephysically contacted by the patient to detect biometric informationassociated with the patient, wherein the at least one contact point isconfigured to detect at least one physiological parameter associatedwith the patient;

a control module coupled to the at least one contact point, wherein theat least one contact point is coupled to the control module to capturethe at least one physiological parameter associated with the patient;and

a communication module coupled to the control unit to transmit the atleast one physiological parameter to a computer in communication withthe communication module.

-   38. The patient interface device of clause 37, comprising a power    source coupled to the control module.-   39. The patient interface device of clause 37 or 38 comprising an    image generation unit to capture an image of the patient, wherein    the image generation unit is coupled to the control module and is    configured to capture the image of the patient and to transmit the    captured image to the control module.-   40. The patient interface device according to any of the clauses    37-39 wherein the control module is operative to activate the image    generation unit to capture the image of the patient when the contact    point detects there is a change in the physiological parameter of    the patient during the time the patient is in contact with the    contact point and when the control module detects a current flow    through the patient.-   41. A method, comprising:

contacting by a patient at least one contact point exposed on an outersurface portion of a housing, wherein the at least one contact point ispositioned to be physically contacted by the patient to detect biometricinformation associated with the patient, wherein the at least onecontact point is configured to detect at least one physiologicalparameter associated with the patient;

capturing by a control module coupled to the at least one contact pointat least one physiological parameter associated with the patient; and

transmitting by a communication module coupled to the control unit theat least one physiological parameter to a computer in communication withthe communication module.

-   42. The method of clause 41, comprising:

scanning by the at least contact point a fingerprint associated with thepatient;

confirming by the control module fingerprint information.

-   43. The method of clause 41 or 42, comprising:

capturing an image of the patient by an image generation unit, whereinthe image generation unit is coupled to the control module; and

transmitting by the image generation unit the captured image of thepatient to the control module.

-   44. The method according to any of the clauses 41-43 comprising    activating by the control module the image generation unit to    capture the image of the patient when the contact point detects    there is a change in the physiological parameter of the patient    during the time the patient is in contact with the contact point and    when the control module detects a current flow through the patient.-   45. System for tracking a product from a manufacturer along a supply    chain to a user, the system comprising:    -   Identifying means associated with the product for identifying        the product,    -   Interrogating means for interrogating the identifying means.-   46. System according to clause 45 wherein the product is a medicine    and the user is a patient, wherein the system enables a care    provider to determine the origin of the medicine.-   47. System according to clause 45 or 46, further comprising patient    communication means for communicating identity of the medicine to    the patient.-   48. System according to any of the preceding clauses 45-47 wherein    the identifying means comprises a device secured to the product.-   49. System according to clause 48, wherein the identifying means has    a unique identity associated with the manufacturer and/or the    product.-   50. System according to any of the preceding clauses 46-49 wherein    the system confirms that a correct dosage and/or correct type of    medication was delivered to the patient.-   51. System according to any of the preceding clauses 45-50 wherein    the interrogating means comprises a computer system which reads the    unique identity of the identifying means.-   52. System according to clause 51 wherein the computer system    communicates with a database to retrieve user information and/or    product information.-   53. System according to clauses 52 wherein the user information is    patient information, and wherein the product information is    information related to the medicament to be administered to the    patient.-   54. System according to any of the clauses 51-53 wherein the    computer system validates at least one of the type and dosage prior    to dispensing.-   55. System according to any of the preceding clauses 47-54, wherein    the patient communication means is configured to be in physical    communication with the patient at the time the patient takes the    medication, and is in communication with the computer system, the    patient communication means being a personal device which detects    the unique identity of the identifying means and confirms delivery    of the product.-   56. System according to any of the preceding clauses 45-55 wherein    the identifying means is a tag provided with circuitry, which tag is    secured to a pill, and which circuitry is broken if the tag is    removed from the pill.-   57. System according to any of the preceding clauses 45-55 wherein    the identifying means is a tag, which tag is secured to a syringe,    wherein the tag and/or syringe comprises a safety component which is    activated on exposure to air.-   58. System according to clauses 56 or 57 wherein the tag cannot be    interrogated if the medicament is not delivered within a    pre-determined time period.-   59. System according to clauses 57 or 58 wherein a needle of the    syringe includes a contact point connected to the tag.-   60. An interface device for confirming delivery of medication to a    patient, preferably for use in a system according to any of the    preceding clauses 45-59, the device comprising: a control module,    wherein the control modules includes a communication module and a    memory unit;

a contact point to detect at least one physiological parameterassociated with the patient, wherein the contact point is connected tothe control module and captures at least one physiological parameterassociated with the patient and transmits that information to thepatient; and

an image generation unit to capture the patient's image, wherein theimage generation unit is connected to the control module and capturesthe image of the patient and transmits the image to the control module,

wherein the control module activates the image generation unit tocapture the image of the patient when the contact point detects there isa change in the physiological parameter of the patient during the timethe patient is in contact with the contact point and when the controlmodule detects a current flow through the patient.

-   61. System according to any of the preceding clauses 45-59, further    comprising a device according to clause 60.-   62. Method for tracking a product from a manufacturer along a supply    chain to a user comprising the steps of attaching identifying means    to a product, and interrogating the identifying means.-   63. Method according to clause 62 further comprising the step of    confirming receipt of the product to the user.-   64. Method according to clause 62 or 63 using a system, device or    apparatus according to any of the preceding.-   65. A pill comprising a tag, which tag is provided with circuitry.-   66. A syringe comprising a tag, wherein the tag and/or syringe    comprises a safety component which is activated on exposure to air.-   67. System to track medication from manufacturer to a patient, to    enable a care provider to determine the origin of the medication and    to confirm that at least one of the right type and the right dosage    of medication was delivered to the patient, the system comprising:    an identifier device secured to the medication, wherein the    identifier device has a unique identity that is associated with at    least one of the manufacturer and the medication;

a computer system for interrogating the identifier device,

wherein the computer system reads the unique identity of the identifierdevice to confirm the origin of the medication and the type of themedication and

wherein the computer system communicates with a database to at least oneof retrieve medical information about the patient and provideinformation related to the medication to be administered to the patientand

wherein the computer system validates at least one of the type anddosage selected by the care provider prior to dispensing to the patient;and

a personal device in communication with the computer system, wherein thepersonal device is configured to be in physical communication with thepatient at the time the patient takes the medication to detect theunique identity associated with the identifier device and confirmdelivery of the medication to the patient.

-   68. Method to track and guide a care provider to deliver a proper    type and dose of medication to a patient such that a care provider    confirms that the medication is traceable to a known origin, the    method comprising the steps of:

attaching an identifiable tag that produces a unique signature to themedication at the origin when the medication is created;

interrogating the tag at about the time of delivery to the patient todetermine if the medication is the original medication and to confirmthat that the correct medication has been selected for the patient; and

confirming that the patient has taken or received the medication throughdetecting the identifiable tag's unique signature through the patient'sbody based on communication of the identifiable tag with the patient.

-   69. System to track a deliverable to a user, the system comprising:

an identifier device secured to the deliverable, wherein the identifierdevice has a unique identity that is associated with the deliverable;

a computer system for interrogating the identifier device,

wherein the computer system identifies the identifier device to confirminformation associated with the deliverable and

wherein the computer system communicates with a database to at least oneof retrieve information associated with the user and provide a careprovider with the information associated with the deliverable to beadministered to the user and

wherein the computer system validates the information associated withthe deliverable provided by the care provider prior to administration tothe user; and

a personal device in communication with the computer system, wherein thepersonal device is configured to be held by the user at the time theuser is administered the deliverable to detect the unique identityassociated with the identifier device and to confirm delivery of thedeliverable to the user.

-   70. Method to track and guide a care provider to deliver a    deliverable to a user such that the care provider can confirm that    the deliverable is traceable to a known origin, the method    comprising the steps of:

providing an identifiable tag that produces a unique signature, theidentifiable tag physically associated with the deliverable;

interrogating an identifiable tag associated with the deliverable atabout the time of delivery to the user to determine if the deliverableis the intended deliverable and confirm that the care provider hasselected the correct deliverable; and

confirming that the user has been administered the deliverable throughdetecting the identifiable tag's unique signature based on contact ofthe identifiable tag with the user.

-   71. Interface device for confirming delivery of medication to a    patient, the device comprising:

a control module, wherein the control modules includes a communicationmodule and a memory unit;

a contact point to detect at least one physiological parameterassociated with the patient, wherein the contact point is connected tothe control module and captures at least one physiological parameterassociated with the patient and transmits that information to thepatient; and

an image generation unit to capture the patient's image, wherein theimage generation unit is connected to the control module and capturesthe image of the patient and transmits the image to the control module,

wherein the control module activates the image generation unit tocapture the image of the patient when the contact point detects there isa change in the physiological parameter of the patient during the timethe patient is in contact with the contact point and when the controlmodule detects a current flow through the patient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a system for tracking medication from origin to patient aswell as confirmation of delivery of the correct type and dose ofmedication.

FIG. 2A shows a needle of a syringe used for delivery of medication inaccordance with one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 2B shows a needle of a syringe used for delivery of medication inaccordance with another aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 2C shows a cut-away section of a sleeve for holding the syringe ofFIG. 2A and FIG. 2B in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram representation of an identityconfirmation device as used in FIG. 1 in accordance with one aspect ofthe present invention.

FIG. 4 shows one aspect of a tag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, a system 10 includes a device 40, a mobilecomputer 50, and a patient identity confirmation device 70. The system10 communicates with a central data center 80. In accordance withvarious aspects of the present invention, there are at least two methodsdisclosed for delivery of medication: a pill 20 and a syringe 30.However, the scope of the present invention is not limited by deliverymethods used. For example, the medication may be delivered by a patch,an inhaler, or an ointment. Further, the term “pill” includes variousform factors of ingestible medicaments and carriers, e.g., capsules, gelcaps, placebos, over capsulation carriers or vehicles, etc. In the eventa patch is used, then the tag can be secured to the patch. If anointment is used, then the tag may be included with ointment anddelivery and tracking can be confirmed once the ointment is applied. Atthe origin or location of manufacturing of the medication, anidentifiable tag is associated with the medication regardless of thetype of medication or method of delivery/dispensing of the medication tothe patient. The identifiable tag is similar to an ingestible eventmarker or an ionic emission module (IEM). The IEM can be ingested and iscapable of providing an identifiable signature and is unique. The IEM isdisclosed in greater detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/564,017 entitled COMMUNICATION SYSTEM WITH PARTIAL POWER SOURCE filedon Sep. 21, 2009, and published as 2010-0081894 A1 dated Apr. 1, 2010,which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In accordance with other aspects of the present invention, theidentifiable tags may include bar codes on packaging that uniquelyidentify the medication in the package, which package includes tamperproof seals. Thus the care provider would use the mobile computer 50 toscan the bar code or capture an image of the bar code that istransmitted to the data center 80 for confirmation.

With respect to the pill 20, an identifiable tag 22 is shown secured toone side of the pill 20. Surrounding the tag 22 is a conducting surface24. One surface of the tag 22 is exposed and the other surface of thetag 22 is electrically coupled to the surface 24 via a conduction path26. The conducting surface 24 can be created using a variety oftechniques, e.g., any ingestible conducting ink technology. To preventremoval of the tag 22 from the pill 20, the tag 22 is secured in such away to cause destruction of the circuitry of the tag 22 if attempts aremade to separate it from the medication. Additionally, including theconducting surface 24 around the tag 22 further prevents tampering withand removal of the tag 22. Specifically, if the tag 22 is removed fromthe pill 20, then the conducting surface 24 and the path 26 will beseparated from the tag 22 thereby preventing interrogation of the tag 22by a device 40.

The device 40 includes contact points 42 and 44, each of which isconnected to an interrogation unit 46. The device 40 also includes apower source, which is not shown. The interrogation unit 46 is connectedto a communication module 48. To confirm the origin of the pill 20 aswell the type and dose, the pill 20 is placed in the opening 40 a andcomes into contact with contact points 42 and 44. The interrogation unit46 can then read the identity of the tag 22. The identity of the tag 22is then communicated to a mobile computer 50. The communication link 52between the device 40 and the mobile computer 50 is any wirelesscommunication link, such as Bluetooth™ technology or similar wirelesstechnology. In another aspect, the device 40 may be part of the computer50 as well.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the device 40 mayinclude a memory for storing the information for later transmission orcommunication as well as confirmation in the event the communicationlink between the device 40 and the mobile computer 50 is interrupted orlost.

Additionally, in accordance with another aspect of the presentinvention, the device 40 may be directly connected to the mobilecomputer 50 with a physical link (not shown), such as a wiredconnection, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB). The mobile computer 50is then able to confirm the origin of the medication and otherinformation associated with correct delivery of the type and dose ofmedication to a patient 60. The computer 50 is shown with a display 58.The display 58 can provide information such as an image of the patient,patient's medical history, the next type and dose of medication todeliver to the patient. In accordance with various aspects of thepresent invention, the mobile computer 50 may be any device thatincludes a display and wireless communication capabilities, such as amobile communication device, a mobile phone, or a laptop computer withwireless communication unit. Furthermore, the mobile computer 50includes audio output 50 a and an audio input 50 b, which can be usedtogether to simulate a modem and create a data channel forcommunication. Also, the mobile computer 50 is capable of communicationusing various communications protocol(s), e.g., Short Message Service(SMS) such that information is transmitted to a destination throughmobile phone communication channels.

With respect to the syringe 30, an identifiable tag 32 is secured to thesyringe 30. To ensure that the tag 32 cannot be removed from the syringe30 and reattached to a different syringe, the syringe and/or taginclude(s) a safety component, e.g., the tag 32 includes a layer that isactivated once exposed to air, such as a zinc battery. Thus, uponmanufacture, each syringe 30 is secured within a hermetically sealedpackage to preserve the tag 32. Once the package is opened, the tag 32is exposed to the air and, hence, activated. Thus, if the package isopened and the medication is not delivered within a short period oftime, such a few minutes, then the tag 32 is deactivated and cannot beinterrogated later. In accordance with one aspect of the presentinvention, the layer of the tag 32 is a zinc-based battery that isactivated upon contact with the surrounding air and, hence, powers upthe tag 32.

Once the syringe 30 is removed from the package and the care provider isready to deliver the medication to the patient, the syringe 30 is placedinside the sleeve 34. The sleeve 34 can detect and capture the identityof the tag 32. The sleeve 34 transmits the information associated withthe tag 32 secured to the syringe 30 via a physical connection 54between the mobile computer 50 and the sleeve 34. In accordance withanother aspect of the present invention, the sleeve 34 may be incommunication with the mobile computer 50 via a wireless connection, notshown. As the needle of the syringe 30 comes into contact with thepatient 60, then the circuit is completed as shown through the patientidentity confirmation device 70.

Referring now to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, in accordance with another aspectof the present invention, the needle of the syringe 30 may includespecific contact points 36 that are connected to the tag 32 viaconnection 38. The contact points 36 are positioned along at the end ofthe syringe 30 or on the needle such that contact with the skin of thepatient completes a circuit that is then used to activate the tag 32 totransmit a unique signature or identity that represents delivery of themedication to the patient 60.

Referring now to FIG. 2C, the contact points 36 are electrically coupledto the tag 32. The tag 32 is electrically coupled to the sleeve 34 asthe syringe 30 is placed inside the sleeve 34 through a contact point 34a. The contact point 34 a makes contact with the tag 32 to allowelectrical signals to pass between the tag 32, through the connection54, and the mobile computer 50. A stop tab 34 b is positioned within thesleeve 34 to ensure proper alignment of the contact point 34 a with thetag 32.

Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the patient identity confirmationdevice 70 is shown connected to the mobile computer 50 via a connectionor link 56. The patient identity confirmation device 70 includes thumbpads or contact points 72 and 74 exposed on the surface of the patientidentity confirmation device 70. The contact points 72 and 74 may be anyform of biometric detection contacts in accordance with various aspectsof the present invention. For example, the contact point may scan andconfirm fingerprint information. In accordance with another aspect ofthe present invention, the contact points may detect the physiologicalparameters of the patient, such as temperature, or other biometricparameters that can identify the patient, including DNA. The contactpoints 72 and 74 are electrically coupled to a control unit 70 a withinthe patient identity confirmation device 70. In accordance with oneaspect of the present invention, a power source 70 b is electricallycoupled to the control unit 70 a, so that the patient identityconfirmation device 70 is self powered. In accordance with anotheraspect of the present invention, the patient identity confirmationdevice 70 can receive power from the mobile computer through theconnection 56.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the patientidentity confirmation device 70 includes a camera 78 for capturing animage of the patient that is transmitted to the mobile computer 50. Thecamera 78 is electrically connected to the control unit 70 a. Thecontrol unit 70 a controls the activation of the camera 78 once thecontrol unit 70 a detected that a circuit path is complete, whichindicates that the patient 60 is receiving the medication. Morespecifically, the patient 60 holds the patient identity confirmationdevice 70 using at least one of the contact points 72 and 74 to create aphysical connection between the patient identity confirmation device 70and the patient 60 at one of the limbs 62 and 64, e.g., right and leftthumbs. As the patient 60 holds the patient identity confirmation device70 and the syringe 30 comes into contact with the patient 60, then acircuit is completed. More specifically, the contact points 36 come intocontact with the skin of the patient 60. The contact points 36 areelectrically coupled to the tag 32 and the tag 32 is electricallycoupled to the sleeve 34. The sleeve 34 is electrically coupled to themobile computer 50 and the mobile computer 50 is electrically coupled tothe patient identity confirmation device 70. Thus, a complete circuit isformed through the patient 60 once the patient hold the patient identityconfirmation device 70 and the needle of the syringe 30 comes intocontact with the skin of the patient 60.

As indicated above the contact points 72 and 74 can detect physiologicalparameters of the patient through the physical contact, including achange in heart rate, which is typical when the needle of the syringe 30pierces the skin of patient 60. This change in physiological parameterof the patient 60 can be a trigger that is used by the control unit 70 ato activate the camera to capture an image of the patient 60. Theinformation associated with the time and date of delivery as well as theimage of the patient 60 is sent to the mobile computer 50. The mobilecomputer 50 can record the delivery of the medication to the patient 60.Additionally, the mobile computer 50 can scan or interrogate the tag 32to confirm the dose and type of medication delivered. Thereafter, thezinc-based layer of the tag 32 expires and the tag 32 cannot be usedagain. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, thesyringe 30 may be a single use syringe such that once the plunger isdepressed, it cannot be retracted or extracted.

In various aspects the identifiable tags 22, 32, similar to aningestible event marker or an ionic emission module (IEM), may beimplemented in accordance with the system 120 shown in FIG. 4. Thesystem 120 can be used in association with any medication product, asmentioned above, to determine the origin of the medication and toconfirm that at least one of the right type and the right dosage ofmedication was delivered to the patient and in some aspects to determinewhen a patient takes the pharmaceutical product. The scope of thepresent disclosure, however, is not limited by the environment and theproduct that is used with the system 120. For example, the system may beactivated either in wireless mode, in galvanic mode by placing thesystem 120 within a capsule and the placing the capsule within theconducting fluid, or a combination thereof, or exposing the system 120to air. Once placed in a conducting fluid, for example, the capsulewould dissolve over a period of time and release the system 120 into theconducting fluid. Thus, in one aspect, the capsule would contain thesystem 120 and no product. Such a capsule may then be used in anyenvironment where a conducting fluid is present and with any product.For example, the capsule may be dropped into a container filled with jetfuel, salt water, tomato sauce, motor oil, or any similar product.Additionally, the capsule containing the system 120 may be ingested atthe same time that any pharmaceutical product is ingested in order torecord the occurrence of the event, such as when the product was taken.

In the specific example of the system 120 combined with a medication orpharmaceutical product, as the product or pill is ingested, or exposedto air, the system 120 is activated in galvanic mode. The system 120controls conductance to produce a unique current signature that isdetected, thereby signifying that the pharmaceutical product has beentaken. When activated in wireless mode, the system controls modulationof capacitive plates to produce a unique voltage signature associatedwith the system 120 that is detected.

In one aspect, the system 120 includes a framework 122. The framework122 is a chassis for the system 120 and multiple components are attachedto, deposited upon, or secured to the framework 122. In this aspect ofthe system 120, a digestible material 124 is physically associated withthe framework 122. The material 124 may be chemically deposited on,evaporated onto, secured to, or built-up on the framework all of whichmay be referred to herein as “deposit” with respect to the framework122. The material 124 is deposited on one side of the framework 122. Thematerials of interest that can be used as material 124 include, but arenot limited to: Cu, CuCl, or CuI. The material 124 is deposited byphysical vapor deposition, electrodeposition, or plasma deposition,among other protocols. The material 124 may be from about 0.05 to about500 μm thick, such as from about 5 to about 100 μm thick. The shape iscontrolled by shadow mask deposition, or photolithography and etching.Additionally, even though only one region is shown for depositing thematerial, each system 120 may contain two or more electrically uniqueregions where the material 124 may be deposited, as desired.

At a different side, which is the opposite side as shown in FIG. 4,another digestible material 126 is deposited, such that the materials124 and 126 are dissimilar and insulated from each other. Although notshown, the different side selected may be the side next to the sideselected for the material 124. The scope of the present disclosure isnot limited by the side selected and the term “different side” can meanany of the multiple sides that are different from the first selectedside. In various aspects, the dissimilar material may be located atdifferent positions on a same side. Furthermore, although the shape ofthe system is shown as a square, the shape may be any geometricallysuitable shape. The materials 124 and 126 are selected such that theyproduce a voltage potential difference when the system 120 is in contactwith conducting liquid, such as body fluids. The materials of interestfor material 126 include, but are not limited to: Mg, Zn, or otherelectronegative metals. As indicated above with respect to the material124, the material 126 may be chemically deposited on, evaporated onto,secured to, or built-up on the framework. Also, an adhesion layer may benecessary to help the material 126 (as well as material 124 when needed)to adhere to the framework 122. Typical adhesion layers for the material126 are Ti, TiW, Cr or similar material. Anode material and the adhesionlayer may be deposited by physical vapor deposition, electrodepositionor plasma deposition. The material 126 may be from about 0.05 to about500 μm thick, such as from about 5 to about 100 μm thick. However, thescope of the present disclosure is not limited by the thickness of anyof the materials nor by the type of process used to deposit or securethe materials to the framework 122.

According to the disclosure set forth, the materials 124 and 126 can beany pair of materials with different electrochemical potentials.Additionally, in the embodiments wherein the system 120 is used in-vivo,the materials 124 and 126 may be vitamins that can be absorbed. Morespecifically, the materials 124 and 126 can be made of any two materialsappropriate for the environment in which the system 120 will beoperating. For example, when used with an ingestible product, thematerials 124 and 126 are any pair of materials with differentelectrochemical potentials that are ingestible. An illustrative exampleincludes the instance when the system 120 is in contact with an ionicsolution, such as stomach acids. Suitable materials are not restrictedto metals, and in certain embodiments the paired materials are chosenfrom metals and non-metals, e.g., a pair made up of a metal (such as Mg)and a salt (such as CuCl or CuI). With respect to the active electrodematerials, any pairing of substances—metals, salts, or intercalationcompounds—with suitably different electrochemical potentials (voltage)and low interfacial resistance are suitable.

Materials and pairings of interest include, but are not limited to,those reported in TABLE 1 below. In one embodiment, one or both of themetals may be doped with a non-metal, e.g., to enhance the voltagepotential created between the materials as they come into contact with aconducting liquid. Non-metals that may be used as doping agents incertain embodiments include, but are not limited to: sulfur, iodine, andthe like. In another embodiment, the materials are copper iodine (CuI)as the anode and magnesium (Mg) as the cathode. Aspects of the presentdisclosure use electrode materials that are not harmful to the humanbody.

TABLE 1 Anode Cathode Metals Magnesium, Zinc Sodium (†), Lithium (†)Iron Salts Copper salts: iodide, chloride, bromide, sulfate, formate,(other anions possible) Fe³⁺ salts: e.g. orthophosphate, pyrophosphate,(other anions possible) Oxygen (††) on platinum, gold or other catalyticsurfaces Intercalation Graphite with Li, K, Vanadium oxide Manganeseoxide compounds Ca, Na, Mg

Thus, when the system 120 is in contact with the conducting fluid, acurrent path is formed through the conducting fluid between thedissimilar materials 124 and 126. A control device 128 is secured to theframework 122 and electrically coupled to the materials 124 and 126. Thecontrol device 128 includes electronic circuitry, for example controllogic that is capable of controlling and altering the conductancebetween the materials 124 and 126.

The voltage potential created between the dissimilar materials 124 and126 provides the power for operating the system as well as produces thecurrent flow through the conducting fluid and the system 120. In oneaspect, the system 120 operates in direct current mode. In analternative aspect, the system 120 controls the direction of the currentso that the direction of current is reversed in a cyclic manner, similarto alternating current. As the system reaches the conducting fluid orthe electrolyte, where the fluid or electrolyte component is provided bya physiological fluid, e.g., stomach acid, the path for current flowbetween the dissimilar materials 124 and 126 is completed external tothe system 120; the current path through the system 120 is controlled bythe control device 128. Completion of the current path allows for thecurrent to flow and in turn a receiver, not shown, can detect thepresence of the current and recognize that the system 120 has beenactivate and the desired event is occurring or has occurred.

In one embodiment, the two dissimilar materials 124 and 126 are similarin function to the two electrodes needed for a direct current powersource, such as a battery. The conducting liquid acts as the electrolyteneeded to complete the power source. The completed power sourcedescribed is defined by the physical chemical reaction between thedissimilar materials 124 and 126 of the system 120 and the surroundingfluids of the body. The completed power source may be viewed as a powersource that exploits reverse electrolysis in an ionic or a conductionsolution such as gastric fluid, blood, or other bodily fluids and sometissues. Additionally, the environment may be something other than abody and the liquid may be any conducting liquid. For example, theconducting fluid may be salt water or a metallic based paint.

In certain aspects, the two dissimilar materials 124 and 126 areshielded from the surrounding environment by an additional layer ofmaterial. Accordingly, when the shield is dissolved and the twodissimilar materials 124, 126 are exposed to the target site, a voltagepotential is generated.

In certain aspects, the complete power source or supply is one that ismade up of active electrode materials, electrolytes, and inactivematerials, such as current collectors, packaging. The active materialsare any pair of materials with different electrochemical potentials.Suitable materials are not restricted to metals, and in certainembodiments the paired materials are chosen from metals and non-metals,e.g., a pair made up of a metal (such as Mg) and a salt (such as CuI).With respect to the active electrode materials, any pairing ofsubstances—metals, salts, or intercalation compounds—with suitablydifferent electrochemical potentials (voltage) and low interfacialresistance are suitable.

A variety of different materials may be employed as the materials thatform the electrodes. In certain embodiments, electrode materials arechosen to provide for a voltage upon contact with the targetphysiological site, e.g., the stomach, sufficient to drive the system ofthe identifier. In certain embodiments, the voltage provided by theelectrode materials upon contact of the metals of the power source withthe target physiological site is 0.001 V or higher, including 0.01 V orhigher, such as 0.1 V or higher, e.g., 0.3 V or higher, including 0.5volts or higher, and including 1.0 volts or higher, where in certainembodiments, the voltage ranges from about 0.001 to about 10 volts, suchas from about 0.01 to about 10 V.

Referring still to FIG. 4, the dissimilar materials 124 and 126 providethe voltage potential to activate the control device 128. Once thecontrol device 128 is activated or powered up, the control device 128can alter conductance between the first and second materials 124 and 126in a unique manner. By altering the conductance between the first andsecond materials 124 and 126, the control device 128 is capable ofcontrolling the magnitude of the current through the conducting liquidthat surrounds the system 120. This produces a unique current signaturethat can be detected and measured by a receiver (not shown), which canbe positioned internal or external to the body. The receiver isdisclosed in greater detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/673,326 entitled BODY-ASSOCIATED RECEIVER AND METHOD filed on Dec.15, 2009, and published as 2010-0312188 A1 dated Dec. 9, 2010 which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In addition tocontrolling the magnitude of the current path between the materials,non-conducting materials, membrane, or “skirt” are used to increase the“length” of the current path and, hence, act to boost the conductancepath, as disclosed in the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/238,345entitled, “In-Body Device with Virtual Dipole Signal Amplification”filed Sep. 25, 2008, the entire content of which is incorporated hereinby reference. Alternatively, throughout the disclosure herein, the terms“non-conducting material,” “membrane,” and “skirt” are interchangeablyused with the term “current path extender” without impacting the scopeor the present embodiments and the claims herein. The skirt, shown inportion at 125 and 127, respectively, may be associated with, e.g.,secured to, the framework 122. Various shapes and configurations for theskirt are contemplated as within the scope of the various aspects of thepresent invention. For example, the system 120 may be surroundedentirely or partially by the skirt and the skirt maybe positioned alonga central axis of the system 120 or off-center relative to a centralaxis. Thus, the scope of the present invention as claimed herein is notlimited by the shape or size of the skirt. Furthermore, in otherembodiments, the dissimilar materials 124 and 126 may be separated byone skirt that is positioned in any defined region between thedissimilar materials 124 and 126.

The system 120 may be grounded through a ground contact. The system 120also may include a sensor module. In operation, ion or current paths areestablished between the first material 124 to the second material 126and through a conducting fluid in contact with the system 120. Thevoltage potential created between the first and second materials 124 and126 is created through chemical reactions between the first and secondmaterials 124/126 and the conducting fluid. In one aspect, the surfaceof the first material 124 is not planar, but rather an irregularsurface. The irregular surface increases the surface area of thematerial and, hence, the area that comes in contact with the conductingfluid.

In one aspect, at the surface of the first material 124, there ischemical reaction between the material 124 and the surroundingconducting fluid such that mass is released into the conducting fluid.The term mass as used herein refers to protons and neutrons that form asubstance. One example includes the instant where the material is CuCland when in contact with the conducting fluid, CuCl becomes Cu (solid)and Cl— in solution. The flow of ions into the conduction fluid is viaion paths. In a similar manner, there is a chemical reaction between thesecond material 126 and the surrounding conducting fluid and ions arecaptured by the second material 126. The release of ions at the firstmaterial 124 and capture of ion by the second material 126 iscollectively referred to as the ionic exchange. The rate of ionicexchange and, hence the ionic emission rate or flow, is controlled bythe control device 128. The control device 128 can increase or decreasethe rate of ion flow by altering the conductance, which alters theimpedance, between the first and second materials 124 and 126. Throughcontrolling the ion exchange, the system 120 can encode information inthe ionic exchange process. Thus, the system 120 uses ionic emission toencode information in the ionic exchange.

The control device 128 can vary the duration of a fixed ionic exchangerate or current flow magnitude while keeping the rate or magnitude nearconstant, similar to when the frequency is modulated and the amplitudeis constant. Also, the control device 128 can vary the level of theionic exchange rate or the magnitude of the current flow while keepingthe duration near constant. Thus, using various combinations of changesin duration and altering the rate or magnitude, the control device 128encodes information in the current flow or the ionic exchange. Forexample, the control device 128 may use, but is not limited to any ofthe following techniques namely, Binary Phase-Shift Keying (PSK),Frequency Modulation (FM), Amplitude Modulation (AM), On-Off Keying, andPSK with On-Off Keying.

Various aspects of the system 120 may comprise electronic components aspart of the control device 128. Components that may be present includebut are not limited to: logic and/or memory elements, an integratedcircuit, an inductor, a resistor, and sensors for measuring variousparameters. Each component may be secured to the framework and/or toanother component. The components on the surface of the support may belaid out in any convenient configuration. Where two or more componentsare present on the surface of the solid support, interconnects may beprovided.

The system 120 controls the conductance between the dissimilar materialsand, hence, the rate of ionic exchange or the current flow. Throughaltering the conductance in a specific manner the system is capable ofencoding information in the ionic exchange and the current signature.The ionic exchange or the current signature is used to uniquely identifythe specific system. Additionally, the system 120 is capable ofproducing various different unique exchanges or signatures and, thus,provides additional information. For example, a second current signaturebased on a second conductance alteration pattern may be used to provideadditional information, which information may be related to the physicalenvironment. To further illustrate, a first current signature may be avery low current state that maintains an oscillator on the chip and asecond current signature may be a current state at least a factor of tenhigher than the current state associated with the first currentsignature.

Referring now back to FIG. 1, the mobile computer 50 is in communicationwith the data center 80. The data center 80 includes a database 82 andprocessing system 84. Information associated with all patients,including identity and medication types and doses, are stored in thedatabase 82. The processing system 84 receives information from themobile computer 50 and accesses the information in the database 82 ofthe data center 80 to provide information to the care provider throughthe mobile computer 50. The mobile computer 50 can communicateinformation including a photo of the patient for identification, thetype of medication available to the care provider, as well asconfirmation of the type and dose of medication that the care providerselects and delivers to the patient 60. The mobile computer 50 cancommunicate with the data center 80 using any mode and frequency ofcommunication that is available in at the site, such as wireless, G2,G3, real-time, periodically based on predetermined time delays, as wellas store and forward at later time.

FIG. 1 illustrates one aspect of the mobile computer 50. In variousaspects, the mobile computer 50 may comprise or be implemented by awireless device.

The mobile computer 50 generally may comprise various physical orlogical elements implemented as hardware, software, or any combinationthereof, as desired for a given set of design parameters or performanceconstraints. In various aspects, the physical or logical elements may beconnected by one or more communications media. For example,communication media may comprise wired communication media, wirelesscommunication media, or a combination of both, as desired for a givenimplementation.

As shown, the mobile computer 50 may comprise a display 58. The display58 may be implemented using any type of visual interface such as aliquid crystal display (LCD).

As shown, the mobile computer 50 may comprise a memory 102. In variousaspects, the memory 102 may comprise any machine-readable orcomputer-readable media capable of storing data, including both volatileand non-volatile memory. For example, memory may include read-onlymemory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM),Double-Data-Rate DRAM (DDR-RAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), static RAM(SRAM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM),electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory (e.g., NORor NAND flash memory), content addressable memory (CAM), polymer memory(e.g., ferroelectric polymer memory), phase-change memory (e.g., ovonicmemory), ferroelectric memory, silicon-oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon(SONOS) memory, disk memory (e.g., floppy disk, hard drive, opticaldisk, magnetic disk), or card (e.g., magnetic card, optical card), orany other type of media suitable for storing information.

The mobile computer 50 may comprise a processor 100 such as a centralprocessing unit (CPU). In various aspects, the processor 100 may beimplemented as a general purpose processor, a chip multiprocessor (CMP),a dedicated processor, an embedded processor, a digital signal processor(DSP), a network processor, a media processor, an input/output (I/O)processor, a media access control (MAC) processor, a radio basebandprocessor, a co-processor, a microprocessor such as a complexinstruction set computer (CISC) microprocessor, a reduced instructionset computing (RISC) microprocessor, and/or a very long instruction word(VLIW) microprocessor, or other processing device. The processor 510also may be implemented by a controller, a microcontroller, anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmablegate array (FPGA), a programmable logic device (PLD), and so forth.

In various aspects, the processor 100 may be arranged to run anoperating system (OS) and various mobile applications. Examples of an OSinclude, for example, operating systems generally known under the tradename of Microsoft Windows OS, and any other proprietary or open sourceOS. Examples of mobile applications include, for example, a telephoneapplication, a camera (e.g., digital camera, video camera) application,a browser application, a multimedia player application, a gamingapplication, a messaging application (e.g., e-mail, short message,multimedia), a viewer application, and so forth.

In various aspects, the processor 100 may be arranged to receiveinformation through a communications interface 104. The communicationsinterface 104 may comprises any suitable hardware, software, orcombination of hardware and software that is capable of coupling themobile computer 50 to one or more networks and/or devices, such as thepill 20, the tag 22, the device 40, interrogation unit 46, the patientidentity confirmation device 70, the tag 32, the sleeve 34, and/or thedata center 80, among other devices. The communications interface 104may be arranged to operate with any suitable technique for controllinginformation signals using a desired set of communications protocols,services or operating procedures. The communications interface 104 mayinclude the appropriate physical connectors to connect with acorresponding communications medium, whether wired or wireless.

Vehicles of communication include a network. In various aspects, thenetwork may comprise local area networks (LAN) as well as wide areanetworks (WAN) including without limitation Internet, wired channels,wireless channels, communication devices including telephones,computers, wire, radio, optical or other electromagnetic channels, andcombinations thereof, including other devices and/or components capableof/associated with communicating data. For example, the communicationenvironments include in-body communications, various devices, variousmodes of communications such as wireless communications, wiredcommunications, and combinations of the same.

Wireless communication modes include any mode of communication betweenpoints that utilizes, at least in part, wireless technology includingvarious protocols and combinations of protocols associated with wirelesstransmission, data, and devices. The points include, for example,wireless devices such as wireless headsets, audio and multimedia devicesand equipment, such as audio players and multimedia players, telephones,including mobile telephones and cordless telephones, and computers andcomputer-related devices and components, such as printers.

Wired communication modes include any mode of communication betweenpoints that utilizes wired technology including various protocols andcombinations of protocols associated with wired transmission, data, anddevices. The points include, for example, devices such as audio andmultimedia devices and equipment, such as audio players and multimediaplayers, telephones, including mobile telephones and cordlesstelephones, and computers and computer-related devices and components,such as printers.

Accordingly, in various aspects, the communications interface 104 maycomprise one or more interfaces such as, for example, a wirelesscommunications interface, a wired communications interface, a networkinterface, a transmit interface, a receive interface, a media interface,a system interface, a component interface, a switching interface, a chipinterface, a controller, and so forth. When implemented by a wirelessdevice or within wireless system, for example, the mobile computer 50may include a wireless interface comprising one or more antennas,transmitters, receivers, transceivers, amplifiers, filters, controllogic, and so forth.

In various implementations, the described aspects may communicate overwireless shared media in accordance with a number of wireless protocols.Examples of wireless protocols may include various wireless local areanetwork (WLAN) protocols, including the Institute of Electrical andElectronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.xx series of protocols, such as IEEE802.11a/b/g/n, IEEE 802.16, IEEE 802.20, and so forth. Other examples ofwireless protocols may include various wireless wide area network (WWAN)protocols, such as GSM cellular radiotelephone system protocols withGPRS, CDMA cellular radiotelephone communication systems with 1×RTT,EDGE systems, EV-DO systems, EV-DV systems, HSDPA systems, and so forth.Further examples of wireless protocols may include wireless personalarea network (PAN) protocols, such as an Infrared protocol, a protocolfrom the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) series of protocols,including Bluetooth Specification versions v1.0, v1.1, v1.2, v2.0, v2.0with Enhanced Data Rate (EDR), as well as one or more BluetoothProfiles, and so forth. Yet another example of wireless protocols mayinclude near-field communication techniques and protocols, such aselectro-magnetic induction (EMI) techniques. An example of EMItechniques may include passive or active radio-frequency identification(RFID) protocols and devices. Other suitable protocols may include UltraWide Band (UWB), Digital Office (DO), Digital Home, Trusted PlatformModule (TPM), ZigBee, and so forth.

In various implementations, the described aspects may comprise part of acellular communication system. Examples of cellular communicationsystems may include CDMA cellular radiotelephone communication systems,GSM cellular radiotelephone systems, North American Digital Cellular(NADC) cellular radiotelephone systems, Time Division Multiple Access(TDMA) cellular radiotelephone systems, Extended-TDMA (E-TDMA) cellularradiotelephone systems, Narrowband Advanced Mobile Phone Service (NAMPS)cellular radiotelephone systems, third generation (3G) systems such asWCDMA, CDMA-2000, UMTS cellular radiotelephone systems compliant withthe Third-Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), and so forth.

In various aspects, the mobile computer 50 includes the functionality towirelessly receive and/or wirelessly transmit data, e.g., physiologicdata.

Further, in various aspects, the mobile computer 50 may incorporateand/or be associated with, e.g., communicate with, various devices. Suchdevices may generate, receive, and/or communicate data, e.g.,physiologic data. The devices include, for example, “intelligent”devices such as gaming devices, e.g., electronic slot machines, handheldelectronic games, electronic components associated with games andrecreational activities.

The mobile computer 50 may be implemented as a mobile telephone. Forexample, the mobile computer 50 may be implemented as a short-range,portable electronic device used for mobile voice or data communicationover a network of specialized cell site base stations. The mobiletelephone is sometimes known as or referred to as “mobile,” “wireless,”“cellular phone,” “cell phone,” or “hand phone (HP).”

In addition to the standard voice function of a telephone, variousaspects of mobile telephones may support many additional services andaccessories such as short message service (SMS) for text messaging,email, packet switching for access to the Internet, java gaming,wireless, e.g., short range data/voice communications, infrared, camerawith video recorder, and multimedia messaging system (MMS) for sendingand receiving photos and video. Some aspects of mobile telephonesconnect to a cellular network of base stations (cell sites), which is,in turn, interconnected to the public switched telephone network (PSTN)or satellite communications in the case of satellite phones. Variousaspects of mobile telephones can connect to the Internet, at least aportion of which can be navigated using the mobile telephones.

Some embodiments may be implemented, for example, using amachine-readable medium or article which may store an instruction or aset of instructions that, if executed by a machine, may cause themachine to perform a method and/or operations in accordance with theembodiments. Such a machine may include, for example, any suitableprocessing platform, computing platform, computing device, processingdevice, computing system, processing system, computer, processor, or thelike, and may be implemented using any suitable combination of hardwareand/or software. The machine-readable medium or article may include, forexample, any suitable type of memory unit, memory device, memoryarticle, memory medium, storage device, storage article, storage mediumand/or storage unit, for example, memory, removable or non-removablemedia, erasable or non-erasable media, writeable or re-writeable media,digital or analog media, hard disk, floppy disk, Compact Disk Read OnlyMemory (CD-ROM), Compact Disk Recordable (CD-R), Compact DiskRewriteable (CD-RW), optical disk, magnetic media, magneto-opticalmedia, removable memory cards or disks, various types of DigitalVersatile Disk (DVD), a tape, a cassette, or the like. The instructionsmay include any suitable type of code, such as source code, compiledcode, interpreted code, executable code, static code, dynamic code, andthe like. The instructions may be implemented using any suitablehigh-level, low-level, object-oriented, visual, compiled and/orinterpreted programming language, such as C, C++, Java, BASIC, Perl,Matlab, Pascal, Visual BASIC, assembly language, machine code, and soforth.

It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particularembodiments or aspects described, as such may vary. It is also to beunderstood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to belimiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited onlyby the appended claims.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that eachintervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unlessthe context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lowerlimit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in thatstated range, is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lowerlimits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in thesmaller ranges and are also encompassed within the invention, subject toany specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the statedrange includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either orboth of those included limits are also included in the invention.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods andmaterials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also beused in the practice or testing of the present invention, representativeillustrative methods and materials are now described.

All publications and patents cited in this specification are hereinincorporated by reference as if each individual publication or patentwere specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated byreference and are incorporated herein by reference to disclose anddescribe the methods and/or materials in connection with which thepublications are cited. The citation of any publication is for itsdisclosure prior to the filing date and should not be construed as anadmission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate suchpublication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates ofpublication provided may be different from the actual publication dateswhich may need to be independently confirmed.

It is noted that, as used herein and in the appended claims, thesingular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claimsmay be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statementis intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusiveterminology as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with therecitation of claim elements, or use of a “negative” limitation.

As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading thisdisclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustratedherein has discrete components and features which may be readilyseparated from or combined with the features of any of the other severalembodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the presentinvention. Any recited method can be carried out in the order of eventsrecited or in any other order which is logically possible.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, it may be appreciated that termssuch as “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining,” or thelike, refer to the action and/or processes of a computer or computingsystem, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and/ortransforms data represented as physical quantities (e.g., electronic)within the computing system's registers and/or memories into other datasimilarly represented as physical quantities within the computingsystem's memories, registers or other such information storage,transmission or display devices.

Numerous specific details have been set forth herein to provide athorough understanding of the embodiments. It will be understood bythose skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments may be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well-knownoperations, components and circuits have not been described in detail soas not to obscure the embodiments. It can be appreciated that thespecific structural and functional details disclosed herein may berepresentative and do not necessarily limit the scope of theembodiments.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail byway of illustration and example for purposes of clarity ofunderstanding, it is readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart in light of the teachings of this invention that certain changes andmodifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope ofthe appended claims.

Accordingly, the preceding merely illustrates the principles of theinvention. It will be appreciated that those skilled in the art will beable to devise various arrangements which, although not explicitlydescribed or shown herein, embody the principles of the invention andare included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples andconditional language recited herein are principally intended to aid thereader in understanding the principles of the invention and the conceptscontributed by the inventors to furthering the art, and are to beconstrued as being without limitation to such specifically recitedexamples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein recitingprinciples, aspects, and embodiments of the invention as well asspecific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural andfunctional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that suchequivalents include both currently known equivalents and equivalentsdeveloped in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform thesame function, regardless of structure. The scope of the presentinvention, therefore, is not intended to be limited to the exemplaryembodiments shown and described herein. Rather, the scope and spirit ofpresent invention is embodied by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer system to track medication frommanufacturer to a patient, to enable a care provider to determine theorigin of a medication and to confirm that at least one of the righttype and the right dosage of the medication was delivered to thepatient, the computer system comprising: a processor operative to:receive a unique identity of an identifier device secured to a dosage ofa medication, wherein the identifier device comprises the uniqueidentity that is associated with at least one of the manufacturer andthe medication; receive information from a patient interface device incommunication with the computer and the patient, wherein at the time thepatient takes the medication, the patient interface device is operativeto detect the unique identity associated with the identifier device andconfirm delivery of the medication to the patient; and receive thedetected unique identity associated with the identifier device detectedvia the patient interface device and the confirmation of delivery of themedication to the patient via the patient interface device; wherein theprocessor is operative to confirm the origin of the medication and thetype of the medication based at least on the unique identity of theidentifier device.
 2. The computer system of claim 1, wherein theprocessor is operative to interrogate the identifier device.
 3. Thecomputer system of claim 1, wherein the identifier device comprises atag provided with circuitry, wherein the tag is secured to the dosage ofthe medication, and wherein the processor is operative to read theunique identity from the tag.
 4. The computer system of claim 3, whereinthe tag is secured to a dosage of medication in the form of a pill. 5.The computer system of claim 3, wherein the tag is secured to a syringeconfigured for delivery of the dosage of medication, wherein the syringecomprises a safety component which is activated upon exposure to air. 6.The computer system of claim 5, wherein the syringe comprises a needleand wherein the needle comprises at least one contact point coupled tothe tag.
 7. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the processor isoperative to communicate with a datacenter database to at least one ofretrieve medical information about the patient and provide informationrelated to the medication to be administered to the patient.
 8. Thecomputer system of claim 7, wherein the processor is operative to:communicate with at least one of a database or a processing system atthe datacenter; transmit information to the processing system; receiveinformation from the processing system, wherein the processing system isoperative to access the information in the database of the data centerand provide the information to the patient through the computer.
 9. Thecomputer system of claim 1, wherein the processor is operative tovalidate at least one of the type and dosage selected by the careprovider prior to dispensing the medication to the patient.
 10. Thecomputer system of claim 1, wherein the processor is operative tocommunicate with an interrogation unit coupled to the identifier device,wherein the interrogation unit is operative to interrogate theidentifier device secured to the medication and receive the uniqueidentity of the identifier device to confirm the origin of themedication and the type of the medication, wherein the computer isoperative to interrogate the interrogation unit and receive the uniqueidentity of the identifier from the interrogation unit.
 11. The computersystem of claim 10, wherein the processor is operative to: communicatewith a memory of the interrogation unit; and receive the unique identityof the identifier stored in the memory of the interrogation unit. 12.The computer system of claim 1, wherein the processor is operative toreceive biometric parameters from the patient interface device, whereinthe biometric parameters can identify the patient.
 13. The computersystem of claim 1, wherein the processor is operative to receive animage of the patient captured by a camera on the patient interfacedevice.
 14. The computer system of claim 1, comprising a display toprovide information associated with the patient, wherein the informationcomprises any of an image of the patient, medical history of thepatient, and a next type and dose of medication to deliver to thepatient.
 15. A computer-implemented method to track medication frommanufacturer to a patient, to enable a care provider to determine theorigin of a medication and to confirm that at least one of the righttype and the right dosage of the medication was delivered to thepatient, the computer comprising a processor, the method comprising:receiving by the processor a unique identity of the identifier devicesecured to a dosage of medication, wherein the identifier devicecomprises the unique identity that is associated with at least one ofthe manufacturer and the medication; receiving by the processorinformation from a patient interface device in communication with thecomputer and the patient, wherein at the time the patient takes themedication, the patient interface device is operative to detect theunique identity associated with the identifier device and confirmdelivery of the medication to the patient; receiving by the processorthe detected unique identity associated with the identifier devicedetected via the patient interface device and the confirmation ofdelivery of the medication to the patient via the patient interfacedevice; confirming the origin of the medication and the type of themedication based at least on the unique identity of the identifierdevice.
 16. The computer-implemented method of claim 15, comprisinginterrogating by the processor the identifier device.
 17. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 15, comprising receiving by theprocessor the unique identity from a tag, wherein the identifier devicecomprises the tag provided with circuitry, wherein the tag is secured tothe dosage of the medication, the method.
 18. The computer-implementedmethod of claim 17, comprising receiving by the processor the uniqueidentity from the tag, wherein the tag is secured to a dosage ofmedication in the form of a pill.
 19. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 17, comprising receiving by the processor the unique identity fromthe tag, wherein the tag is secured to a syringe configured for deliveryof the dosage of medication, wherein the syringe comprises a safetycomponent which is activated upon exposure to air.
 20. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 19, comprising receiving by theprocessor the unique identity from the tag, wherein the syringecomprises a needle, and wherein the needle comprises at least onecontact point coupled to the tag.
 21. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 15, comprising at least one of: retrieving by the processormedical information about the patient from a datacenter database; andproviding by the processor information related to the medication to beadministered to the patient.
 22. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 21, comprising: transmitting by the processor information to theprocessing system; receiving by the processor information from theprocessing system, wherein the processing system is operative to accessthe information in the database of the data center and provide theinformation to the patient through the computer.
 23. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 15, comprising: validating by theprocessor at least one of the type and dosage selected by the careprovider prior to dispensing the medication to the patient.
 24. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 15, comprising: interrogating bythe processor operative an interrogation unit coupled to the identifierdevice, wherein the interrogation unit is operative to interrogate theidentifier device secured to the medication and receive the uniqueidentity of the identifier device to confirm the origin of themedication and the type of the medication; and receiving by the computerthe unique identity of the identifier from the interrogation unit. 25.The computer-implemented method of claim 24, comprising: communicatingby the processor with a memory of the interrogation unit; and receivingby the processor the unique identity of the identifier stored in thememory of the interrogation unit.
 26. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 15, comprising: receiving by the processor biometric parametersfrom the patient interface device, wherein the biometric parameters canidentify the patient.
 27. The computer-implemented method of claim 15,comprising: receiving by the processor an image of the patient capturedby a camera on the patient interface device.
 28. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 15, comprising: displaying on adisplay coupled to the processor information associated with thepatient, wherein the information comprises any of an image of thepatient, medical history of the patient, and a next type and dose ofmedication to deliver to the patient.
 29. An apparatus, comprising: atleast one contact point configured to electrically engage an identifierdevice secured to a medication, wherein the identifier device comprisesa unique identity that is associated with at least one of themanufacturer and the medication; an interrogation unit coupled to the atleast one contact point, wherein the interrogation unit is operative tointerrogate the identifier device to obtain the unique identity; and acommunication module coupled to the interrogation unit, wherein thecommunication module is operative to transmit the unique identification.30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the interrogation unit isoperative to read the unique identity associated with the identifierdevice.
 31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the communication moduleis operative to transmit the unique identity associated with theidentifier device to a computer in communication with the communicationmodule.
 32. The apparatus of claim 31, comprising a memory coupled tothe interrogation unit to store the unique identity associated with theidentifier device.
 33. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein theinterrogation unit is operative to read the unique identity from a tagprovided with circuitry, wherein the tag is secured to the dosage of themedication.
 34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the interrogationunit is operative to read the unique identity from the tag, wherein thetag is secured to a dosage of medication in the form of a pill.
 35. Theapparatus of claim 33, wherein the interrogation unit is operative toread the unique identity from the tag, wherein the tag is secured to asyringe configured for delivery of the dosage of medication, wherein thesyringe comprises a safety component which is activated upon exposure toair.
 36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the interrogation unit isoperative to read the unique identity from the tag, wherein the syringecomprises a needle and wherein the needle comprises at least one contactpoint coupled to the tag.
 37. A method, comprising: electricallyengaging by an interrogation unit an identifier device secured to amedication with at least one contact point coupled to the interrogationunit, wherein the identifier device comprises a unique identity that isassociated with at least one of the manufacturer and the medication;interrogating the identifier device for the unique identity; andtransmitting the unique identification by a communication module coupledto the interrogation unit.
 38. The method of claim 37, comprisingreading by the interrogation unit the unique identity associated withthe identifier device.
 39. The method of claim 38, comprisingtransmitting by the communication module the unique identity associatedwith the identifier device to a computer in communication with thecommunication module.
 40. The method claim 38, storing by theinterrogation unit the unique identity associated with the identifierdevice in a memory, wherein the memory is coupled to the interrogationunit.
 41. The method of claim 37, the method comprising receiving by theinterrogation unit the unique identity from a tag, wherein theidentifier device comprises the tag provided with circuitry, wherein thetag is secured to the dosage of the medication.
 42. The method of claim37, comprising receiving by the interrogation unit the unique identityfrom the tag, wherein the tag is secured to a syringe configured fordelivery of the dosage of medication, wherein the syringe comprises asafety component which is activated upon exposure to air.
 43. The methodof claim 37, comprising receiving by the interrogation unit the uniqueidentity from the tag, wherein the tag is secured to a syringeconfigured for delivery of the dosage of medication, wherein the syringecomprises a safety component which is activated upon exposure to air.44. The method of claim 43, comprising receiving by the interrogationunit the unique identity from the tag, wherein the syringe comprises aneedle, and wherein the needle comprises at least one contact pointcoupled to the tag.
 45. A patient interface device, comprising: ahousing defining an outer surface, wherein the housing is configured toheld by a patient; at least one contact point exposed on the outersurface portion of the housing, wherein the at least one contact pointis positioned to be physically contacted by the patient to detectbiometric information associated with the patient, wherein the at leastone contact point is configured to detect at least one physiologicalparameter associated with the patient; a control module coupled to theat least one contact point, wherein the at least one contact point iscoupled to the control module to capture the at least one physiologicalparameter associated with the patient; and a communication modulecoupled to the control unit to transmit the at least one physiologicalparameter to a computer in communication with the communication module.46. The patient interface device of claim 45, comprising a power sourcecoupled to the control module.
 47. The patient interface device of claim45, comprising an image generation unit to capture an image of thepatient, wherein the image generation unit is coupled to the controlmodule and is configured to capture the image of the patient and totransmit the captured image to the control module.
 48. The patientinterface device of claim 47, wherein the control module is operative toactivate the image generation unit to capture the image of the patientwhen the contact point detects there is a change in the physiologicalparameter of the patient during the time the patient is in contact withthe contact point and when the control module detects a current flowthrough the patient.
 49. A method, comprising: contacting by a patientat least one contact point exposed on an outer surface portion of ahousing, wherein the at least one contact point is positioned to bephysically contacted by the patient to detect biometric informationassociated with the patient, wherein the at least one contact point isconfigured to detect at least one physiological parameter associatedwith the patient; capturing by a control module coupled to the at leastone contact point at least one physiological parameter associated withthe patient; and transmitting by a communication module coupled to thecontrol unit the at least one physiological parameter to a computer incommunication with the communication module.
 50. The method of claim 49,comprising: scanning by the at least contact point a fingerprintassociated with the patient; confirming by the control modulefingerprint information.
 51. The method of claim 49, comprising:capturing an image of the patient by an image generation unit, whereinthe image generation unit is coupled to the control module; andtransmitting by the image generation unit the captured image of thepatient to the control module.
 52. The method of claim 51, comprisingactivating by the control module the image generation unit to capturethe image of the patient when the contact point detects there is achange in the physiological parameter of the patient during the time thepatient is in contact with the contact point and when the control moduledetects a current flow through the patient.